A man drove a stolen Audi across Plymouth before writing it off in a crash in Eggbuckland.

Mark Powell abandoned the vehicle on November 8 after losing control while being hunted by police and crashed into a hedge near Bowden Park Road.

Powell was found a short while later on Culver Way and admitted dishonestly receiving goods, driving dangerously, driving without insurance - as well possessing cocaine and cannabis - at Magistrates' Court.

The incident is still under investigation and enquiries are ongoing

Appearing at Crown Court for sentencing today, 25-year-old Powell, from Liverpool, stood in the dock as the prosecution described what happened.

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The court heard that Daryl Grigg called police to report that his red Audi A4 had been stolen from outside his Plympton St Maurice home on November 7 at around 4am.

At about 10.45pm the car was spotted in Efford and at around 2.45am it was seen driving erratically around the city, and was spotted jumping traffic lights at Marsh Mills.

Daryl Grigg and his daughter Esmee, aged six, in the car that was stolen from his driveway

When interviewed by police, Powell said he had bought the Audi from a man at the Milehouse Embassy Club at around midnight on November 7 for about £40 knowing it was stolen and picked it up at around 2am on November 8.

Two police officers spotted the vehicle in the early hours of November 8 parked in Bowden Park Road, Eggbuckland - half on and half off the pavement. They drove up to the car slowly, but it backed up and hit their car, damaging its transmission.

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Coming over the brow of the hill the police officers saw the car - it slid on the road hitting street signs, street furniture and a lamppost before coming to rest in a hedge. The officers checked the car but Powell had already left and was found in Culver Way.

Daryl's car was stolen from his driveway

"He remembers being parked and saw the police in front of him. He was not aware that he struck their car. He tried to turn the wheel but it locked and he lost control," the prosecution told the court.

Mr Grigg previously told The Herald: "I’m shocked, you don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you. As the day went on I just got more and more annoyed. The car is apparently a complete write-off."

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Powell has five prior convictions for six offences. The court heard from his defence solicitor Geoffrey Parlby that Powell had left school and become a forklift truck driver but had lost this job after five years aged 22. He obtained other work but had not been employed since June/ July 2016. Parlby emphasised that Powell was remorseful, had given a full and frank admission and had cooperated with proceedings.

Powell will be reappear at Crown Court to be sentenced on November 22.